repair and maintain trim tabs

[EMIT REEB]

my trim tabs on my 88 32' aft cabin carver i just purchased are not working and I would like to figure out how to get them working. what are recommended trouble shooting steps and where do I look for all the motors and any other controlling components for the tabs. I did try flipping the switches but nothing worked. I need to trouble shoot the non working trim tabs.

[Tabman]

Are they Bennett?

If so go here http://bennetttrimtabs.com/tech-help/video-library/ and you will find a section on troubleshooting. Start with Trim Tab System Overview

Below is troubleshooting you can print and take to the boat with you.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.

Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)

Red= Port Valve
Green= Starboard Valve
Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU=Ground
Orange on Helm=Control Positive

Troubleshooting

1.If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic lines

2. Is the unit receiving a solid 12 volts? Low voltage will some times cause the solenoids to not open preventing the tabs from moving even though the pump motor is running.

3. Conduct the following test:
Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:
Operation=Reaction
Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down
Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up

If the trim tabs function correctly for each wire grouping then the switch is at fault. Also note that any loose or missing screws on the back of the switch (whether a wire is connected there or not) can cause the pump to malfunction.

This test may also be done right at the pump by substituting a "hot lead" for orange. There is usually a connector to the wire harness within a foot or so of the pump. You want to check this connection for corrosion. You may wish to cut the connector off on the pump side and try the test on bare wires.

4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices.

5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty.

6. Check to see if there is a relay in line on the wiring harness near the hydraulic power unit. If there is it is an Interrupter Relay (IR1000). It prevents the system fuse from blowing if you try to actuate one trim tab up and the other down at the same time. After you test as outlined above, try removing the relay from the wiring harness and retest the unit.(Note: the interrupter relay is no longer used in current Bennett Trim Tab systems and has been replaced with a Switches that "lock out" preventing a blown fuse).

[Viper]

The pump should be aft, mounted either on the transom or close to it. With the tabs fully retracted (up) check the level of the fluid in the pump reservoir and top up if necessary. The fluid should be clear red and not cloudy or pink. Have someone listen if the pump is working while you operate the controls at the helm and let us know what you find or continue on with the process outlined above.

[mjk1040]

Bet the electrical connector contacts are corroded and bad. Check for fuses behind the dash in the area of the helm controller or follow the wiring and look for fuses.

[EMIT REEB]

Thank you guys for the feedback. I will start my trouble shooting. I am not sure of the manufacture of the trim tabs but will try to figure this out. thank you for all input.

[tomschauer]

Mike mentioned, check your connectors. Start at the pump. Pull the connectors, spray them with some contact cleaner and reattach. There is a good chance you wont have to go any further.